Working towards a better goal

Michael Mifsud, who has made a name for himself in international soccer as a striker for Coventry, was in Malta recently to endorse the launch of Gillette's global initiative Gillette Champions. Gillette Champions' programme is the company's largest current sports-marketing initiative that has as global brand ambassadors the renowned international athletes Tiger Woods, Roger Federer and Thierry Henry who embody Gillette's "the best a man can get" equity. The widely respected athletes who compete on international levels were chosen not only for their sporting accomplishments but also for their behaviour away from the game. They are as much champions in their personal lives as they are in sports. Weekender caught up with Michael and stole a few minutes from his time to ask him a few questions.

What do you think is the secret of your success?
Determination, sacrifice, professionalism. I also have a great team behind me.

How does it feel having been chosen by Gillette to endorse the launch of its global Gillette Champions campaign in Malta?
It's a great honour. Gillette is a brand everyone has heard of. It's great to be mentioned in the same breath as Thierry Henry and Roger Federer.

Malta is very proud of your achievements and we automatically put high hopes on you for any of your future matches, especially with the Maltese national team. How do you handle this pressure?
I know everyone at home is willing me on and I'm keen to fulfil their wishes - but I'm not one who feels pressure on the pitch. I'm there to do my job and that's what I concentrate on doing. I'm confident in my ability on the field - but not over-confident!

What's the feeling out on the turf, with thousands of eyes on you to watch your performance? What goes on in your mind? What does it take to make you happy with your performance?
It's fantastic knowing you've got so many people cheering you on. I love the support. It's great hearing the fans calling your name. It gives you extra motivation. I judge my performance on whether I score or not, although I can have a good game if I don't score and have helped the team as a whole.

Everybody is all eyes to see if any future movements will take you to the Premier League. How will you face the intensity of your new challenges ahead?
Everyone wants to play in the Premier League and I am no different. I'm hungry for it - very hungry! - and am excited by the challenge. I hope it happens for me and it would be nice to put another couple of goals past Manchester United or for them! I am contracted to Coventry at the moment though and will always give 100 per cent for whichever team I play for. The Coventry fans have been amazing.

You are very loved by the Maltese across ages and genders, but as a sports hero among the young, you are a role model to many. What is your life message to them?
First of all enjoy life. But give 100 per cent to everything you do. Dreams can come true, whether it's in sport or achieving good grades at school if you work hard and do your best.

You've been away from Malta for some time now, first in Germany, then Norway and now in the UK. Do you miss your homeland or are you too busy enjoying your new life?
Like anyone I miss Malta a lot - it is my home and it is where my parents are. That said I am of course very lucky to be in the position I am in and I don't forget that. Being away from home is tough sometimes, but it is one of the sacrifices I have to make to achieve my goals. One day I will settle somewhere - it may well be back in Malta. I love coming home!

How does your typical week work out? How do you describe your time?
During the season I spend a lot of time training and keeping fit. It's hard work. But as I have said you get nothing if you don't work hard. I also travel to my manager's office for commercial deals - luckily it is at Silverstone circuit, which is where the Formula One races in the UK are held. Hopefully this might lead to some interesting commercial opportunities. Recently my manager organised a behind-the-scenes tour around the Renault F1 factory to see the cars being built which was really amazing. Other than that I relax as often as I can and play a game or two on my PlayStation from time to time!

You look good and in great shape. Since we are in the context of Gillette Champions, what would you say are your typical personal grooming habits, both when you are preparing for a match and also for your personal lifestyle?
I like to look my best. Gillette products help me feel fresh. Life is all about impressions and performances and that's why I was so happy Gillette were keen for me to get involved. Gillette want to score in the marketplace for helping people look and feel good and I want to score on the field!